Gadi Eisenkot Gains Traction as Netanyahu Faces Diplomatic and Institutional Pressure
Israel's politics are changing rapidly following the recent U.S. midterm elections, which have left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu balancing international isolation and internal unrest. The electoral defeat of Donald Trump is being viewed by Israeli analysts not merely as an American political event, but as a direct blow to Netanyahu’s own leadership status. Media outlets like Channel 12 have warned that the incoming U.S. Congress could be among the most hostile toward Tel Aviv in recent history, raising fears of a collapse in strategic bilateral relations.
The pressure on the Prime Minister has intensified during the formal consultation process initiated by President Isaac Herzog. While Netanyahu continues to hold his base, the latest parliamentary math shows Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar! party, gaining momentum. The support of the eight-member Ra’am party has pushed Eisenkot to 56 parliamentary seats, placing him ahead of Netanyahu’s 53. The gap is further complicated by the ultra-orthodox Degel HaTorah faction, which has signaled a refusal to back any candidate during the current consultation phase, citing a stalemate over military service exemptions for yeshiva students.
President Herzog Starts Formal Consultation Process in Jerusalem
President Herzog initiated the formal consultation process on November 4, a date noted for its symbolic weight as the anniversary of the 1995 assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. The sessions, broadcast via live stream from the presidential residence in Jerusalem, began with smaller factions including Religious Zionism, Shas, Yisrael Beytenu, and Zehut. On the second morning of the process, the United Torah Judaism party, which holds seven seats total, met with Herzog at 8:45 a.m., followed by Otzma Yehudit at 9:45 a.m. While the 53 seats initially assigned to Netanyahu’s bloc following the October 27 election have remained stagnant, the 48 seats of the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot have risen to 56 through the backing of Ra’am. Remaining uncertainties include the eleven deputies of the Joint List, who may abstain from naming any candidate, and the three remaining members of the United Torah Judaism union who have yet to finalize their stance.
Allegations of Foreign Interference and Internal Security Tensions
During these parliamentary maneuvers, Netanyahu has publicly raised "grave suspicions" regarding the integrity of the recent election process. In a video address, the outgoing Prime Minister suggested that foreign entities may have invested significant sums to influence the results, specifically targeting the performance of Arab parties, which collectively secured 19 seats. The intense political climate in Israel has led various commentators to express concern that the country could face an “Israeli January 6,” drawing parallels to the 2021 U.S. Capitol assault.
The institutional friction has extended to Israel’s internal security apparatus. Shin Bet chief David Zini sought authorization from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to interrogate four prominent Arab-Israeli political figures—Ahmad Tibi, Mansour Abbas, Sami Abu Shehadeh, and Ayman Odeh—over allegations of election interference and the movement of funds from the Palestinian Authority. Intelligence reports suggested that approximately 100 million shekel (around 23 million euro) had been funneled from Ramallah, with cash purportedly destined directly for Odeh. The Attorney General blocked the request, demanding concrete evidence before proceeding. This intervention drew sharp criticism from opposition figures like Yoav Segalovitz, who accused the security leadership of acting as a political instrument for a Prime Minister struggling to accept the democratic outcome.
The Path Toward Potential Reconciliation
Despite the mounting tensions, the Ra’am party has used the consultation phase to outline a vision for the next government. During his meeting with President Herzog, Mansour Abbas emphasized a platform of reconciliation and peace, explicitly calling for the two-state solution and demanding that Hamas and other armed organizations lay down their weapons. As the consultations continue, the final makeup of the Knesset remains in flux, with the positions of remaining independent groups expected to determine whether Eisenkot can translate his current lead into a stable governing majority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently leading in the consultations to form a government?
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar! party, currently holds 56 seats with the support of the Ra’am party, placing him ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu’s 53 seats.
Why are ultra-orthodox parties refusing to name a candidate?
The United Torah Judaism party has declined to support any candidate, including their long-time ally Netanyahu, because they are demanding specific legislation to preserve military service exemptions for yeshiva students.
What are the allegations involving the Shin Bet?
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